Mariners’ trade talks heating up with Twins?

Minor-league catcher Wilson Ramos is one of two top prospects reportedly being offered to Seattle by the Minnesota Twins for pitcher Cliff Lee. (Getty Images/Gregory Shamus)

The Minnesota Twins, long considered one of the leading candidates to acquire Cliff Lee, have reportedly now offered the Mariners two top prospects for the All-Star pitcher.

Jeff Fletcher of AOL Fanhouse reported on his Twitter account Monday night that the Twins are willing to give up outfielder Aaron Hicks as well as top catching prospect Wilson Ramos for Lee.

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated also reported Monday night that the Twins and Mariners were involved in “interesting” talks that “have possibilities,” while mentioning Ramos as part of the package.

That comes as no surprise, given Ramos’ name has been bandied about as part of a potential deal for several weeks now. But Hicks is regarded as Minnesota’s top prospect and if he’s involved as well, the Mariners certainly will be intrigued.

Hicks, 20, was a first-round draft pick in 2008 (the 14th overall selection) and is regarded as an excellent athlete who is currently playing Class A ball while hitting .259 with five home runs for Beloit in the Midwest League.

Though his minor-league numbers aren’t imposing at this point, he’s regarded as a top-flight talent with speed, power and a good-enough arm that he was also considered as a pitcher coming out of high school with a fastball in the mid-90s.

Ramos, 22, is a Venezuelan prospect currently playing Triple-A ball. He hit .296 in 27 at-bats for Minnesota earlier this season, but was sent back to the minors to get playing time with Joe Mauer handling the catching duties for Minnesota.

Giving up two of their top minor-league prospects for a half-season of Lee is a steep price, given the 31-year-old will be a free agent at year’s end and able to sign elsewhere at that point.

But the Twins are currently a half-game back of Detroit in the AL Central and looking to bolster their pitching staff for a big run in their first season in a new ballpark, so the idea of inserting Lee into their rotation has to be intriguing as well.